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RBS Six Nations: Mike Phillips has urged Wales to end their losing streak

Mike Phillips has called on Wales to play with 'no fear' when they tackle favourites France next weekend.

Last Updated: 03/02/13 2:49pm

Mike Phillips: Wants Wales to be fearless when they face France next Saturday

The defending champions and Grand Slam winners record only their third victory in eight years against Les Bleus 11 months ago.

But since that match, they've gone on to lose eight successive Tests and five in a row at home and suffered another damaging 30-22 loss to Ireland at Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

That result equalled their worst run of home Test match results since they started playing international rugby in 1881.

With coaching talisman Warren Gatland currently on secondment to the British and Irish Lions, current interim coach Rob Howley is finding it difficult without several key players who are absent through injury.

However, scrum-half Phillips believes the side must start showing some belief as they aim to do better than finish in mid-table this campaign.

"France are a good side and on form, so it is going to be immensely tough, but we've just got to go there with belief and play some rugby," said the 30-year-old Bayonne player.

"When we get desperate we tend to play a bit better. We need to have an edge about us from the first whistle and throw everything in.

"We need to back ourselves and come out of our shells and really go for it. It's as simple as that.

"We need to play with no fear from the start. We've got to cut the mistakes out and have the belief."